Guiding assembly for protecting a magnetic tape head

ABSTRACT

A guiding assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel for preventing damage to a tape head during the loading and unloading of magnetic tape media from a tape cartridge also employing a single reel. The guiding assembly has a tape guide configured to move a tape path away from the tape head during the loading and unloading of the magnetic tape media.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to digital tape drive storage devices, and in particular, to a guiding assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel for preventing damage to a tape head during loading and unloading of magnetic tape media from a tape cartridge.

PROBLEM

Digital data is stored on tape drives utilizing a variety of designs, but in all cases, magnetic tape media is wound between a pair of tape reels as data is transferred to or from the tape media. In the art of data storage, the physical space required to store data is an important concern. To conserve space, tape drives often use a single reel tape cartridge design, which utilizes a supply reel located within the tape cartridge and a takeup reel located within the tape drive.

After the tape cartridge is inserted into the tape drive, the tape media must be loaded into the tape drive. The loading operation is representative of connecting the tape media to the takeup reel and winding the tape media to a start point or read position. Various methods have been employed to perform this operation. One such method connects the tape media to the takeup reel via a buckle between a tape cartridge leader and a takeup leader. The tape media is terminated at one end by the tape cartridge leader, which is a strong flexible plastic strip containing an ovular aperture on its distal end. The takeup leader is a similar strong flexible plastic strip attached at one end to the takeup reel. The opposing end includes a stem and tab designed to buckle with the ovular aperture on the tape cartridge leader. After the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader are buckled, they are wound through a tape path past the tape head until the beginning of the tape media is in the read position relative to the tape head. Similarly, an unloading operation represents unwinding the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader back past the tape head and unbuckling the tape cartridge leader and takeup leader so that the tape cartridge may be ejected from the tape drive.

It is a problem in the art of digital tape drives to prevent damage to the tape head during the loading and unloading of the tape media. The tape head contains an inductive electromagnetic device including magnetic pole pieces that read and write data onto the tape media surface. Some magnetic heads include a magnetic resistive (MR) read element for separately reading recorded data, with the inductive element serving to only write data. In addition, the tape head includes a smooth surface formed by precision grinding and polishing techniques within a predetermined specification.

The tape drive leader and the tape cartridge leader are constructed from a rigid plastic material. The rigid plastic material is not only abrasive to the tape head, but also prone to build-up of static charge that is harmful to the MR read element. In addition, the buckle between the takeup leader and the tape cartridge leader includes an overlap such that there is a slight deformation at the buckling point. As the tape cartridge leader and tape drive leader wear over time, the deformation at the buckling point increases, further adding to the abrasive nature of the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader.

For these reasons, a need exists for a guiding assembly that prevents the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader from contacting the tape head during the loading and unloading of the tape media.

SOLUTION

The present guiding assembly overcomes the problems outlined above and advances the art by preventing the takeup leader and the tape cartridge leader from contacting the tape head during loading and unloading of the tape media. Advantageously, the guiding assembly protects the tape head from the abrasive nature of the leaders as well as the build up of static charge. In addition, the guiding assembly prevents wear on the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader caused by repetitive contact with the tape head.

The present guiding assembly comprises a tape guide pivotally connected to the tape drive within the tape path. The tape guide is configured to redefine the tape media path of travel during the loading and the unloading operations. During loading of the tape media, the tape guide is pivoted away from the tape head until the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader have been pulled past the tape head and the beginning of the tape media is in the read position. The tape guide is then pivoted adjacent the tape head for reading and writing of data. During unloading the tape guide is again pivoted away from the tape head. The tape guide remains pivoted away from the tape head while the current cartridge is unloaded, and until a new cartridge is inserted and the tape media has been loaded to the read position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a tape drive embodying the guiding assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up top view of a tape cartridge leader and a takeup leader in an example of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up top view of the guiding assembly of the present invention in a retracted position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up top view of the guiding assembly of the present invention in an engaged position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close up perspective view of the post and gear assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a close up perspective view of the tape head housing of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of the operating steps of the present guiding assembly during unloading of the tape media; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of the operating steps of the present guiding assembly during loading of the tape media.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This detailed description of the preferred embodiment is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, and not of limitation.

Loading and Unloading Operation—FIGS. 1 and 2:

Referring first to FIG. 1, operation of tape drive 100 is controlled by microprocessor 122, which is a conventional processor configured with software to operate in accord with the various embodiments of the present guiding assembly. The software will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the context of the following discussion.

The operation of tape drive 100 includes three functions: the loading of magnetic tape media 104, the unloading of magnetic tape media 104, and the reading and writing of data from magnetic tape media 104. During the reading and writing of data, magnetic tape media 104 travels along tape path 134. Tape path 134 includes guide rollers 114, 116, 118, and 120, catch 130, tape head 126, positioning lever 132, and tape guide 136.

The loading of magnetic tape media 104 begins when tape cartridge 102 is inserted into tape drive 100. Tape media 104 is wound around supply reel 106, which is internally housed in tape cartridge 102. The loading operation comprises connecting tape media 104 with takeup reel 110 and winding tape media 104 around takeup reel 110 until tape media 104 is in the read position relative to tape head 126. The unloading operation comprises winding tape media 104 back into tape cartridge 102 and disconnecting tape media 104 from takeup reel 110.

Takeup reel 110 includes a first connecting apparatus 112 attached to takeup reel 110 and wound around guide rollers 114, 116, 118 and 120. Tape media 104 includes a second connecting apparatus 108 attached to its free end and protruding slightly out of tape cartridge 102. Referring to FIG. 2, one example of connecting apparatuses 108 and 112 are tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202. When tape cartridge 102 is inserted into tape drive 100, tape cartridge leader 200 is positioned to buckle with takeup leader 202. Catch 130 is hooked through slot 204 in takeup leader 202 and positioning lever 132 holds takeup leader 202 so that stem and tab 206 are inserted through aperture 208 in tape cartridge leader 200. Microprocessor 122 responsive to a signal from cartridge present switch 124 rotates catch 130 clockwise to release takeup leader 202. Opposing currents applied to a supply motor and takeup motor (not shown) bias tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202 in opposing directions completing the buckle. Microprocessor 122 initiates the loading of tape media 104 by winding takeup leader 202 around takeup reel 110 pulling tape media 104 from tape cartridge 102. During winding, takeup leader 202 and tape cartridge leader 200 are pulled past tape head 126 until the beginning of tape media 104 is in the read position relative to tape head 126. The read position can be detected by any conventional method, one example being by an angular position sensor connected to takeup reel 110.

During the unloading of tape media 104, the winding direction is reversed so that tape media 104 is wound back around supply reel 106 and tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202 are pulled back past tape head 126 into their original position. Catch 130 is rotated counterclockwise to engage slot 204 and unbuckle takeup leader 202 and tape cartridge leader 200.

The Guiding Assembly—FIGS. 3-6:

Referring first to FIGS. 3 and 4, the present guiding assembly prevents tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202 from contacting tape head 126 during the loading and unloading operations by moving between engaged position 428 and retracted position 300. It should be noted that tape head 126 is not shown in FIG. 4 so that additional elements and features of the present guiding assembly may be illustrated.

During the loading operation, tape guide 136 moves tape path 134 away from tape head 126 to engaged position 428, as illustrated by FIG. 4. Subsequent to the loading operation, tape guide 136 is retracted to position 300 for reading and writing of data, as illustrated by FIG. 3. During the unloading operation, tape guide 136 again moves to engaged position 428, where it remains until the current tape cartridge is unloaded and another tape cartridge has been loaded and tape media 104 wound to the read position relative to tape head 126. Tape media 104 remains threaded through tape guide 136 at all times.

Still referring to FIG. 3, tape head 126 is connected to tape head housing 302 by conventional methods commonly known in the art. Tape guide 136 is pivotally connected to tape drive 100 by mounting post 314 in a confronting relationship with tape head 126. Tape guide 136 is an elongated arcuate channel defined by bottom 312 and sidewalls, 308 and 310, and backwall 318. One skilled in the art will appreciate that backwall 318 is not a necessary component of tape guide 136, but rather, is added as an additional security for retaining tape media 104 within tape guide 136. During normal operation, tension applied to tape media 104 makes it virtually impossible for tape media 104 to be dislodged from tape guide 136. Sidewalls, 308 and 310, and bottom 318, define a central recessed opening 320. Opening 320 allows tape head 126 to contact tape media 104 when tape guide 136 is in retracted position 300 for reading and writing of data. Sidewalls 308 and 310 include arcuate edges, 306 and 304, which travel vertically downward and further define opening 320. A preferred feature of tape guide 136 is that arcuate edges 306 and 304 facilitate a smooth path of travel for tape media 104. The inward angle of edges 306 and 304 relative to tape media 104 prevent the buckle between tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202 from snagging or catching on tape guide 136 during operation of tape drive 100.

Tape guide 136 can be connected to mounting post 314 by any method configured to allow rotation of tape guide 136 around post 314. Spring 316 wraps around the top of post 314 and connects to an integrally formed hook 322 on tape guide 136. Spring 316 biases tape guide 136 in a horizontally inward direction toward tape head 126. As will become apparent from the following description, tape guide 136 will always move toward tape head housing 302 unless prevented from doing so by another member of tape drive 100. One skilled in the art will appreciate that spring 316 may be used to retain tape guide 136 on mounting post 314 or mounting post 314 may be configured to retain tape guide 136 by its own design.

Turning to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the major components of the present guiding assembly are tape guide 136, post and gear assembly 402, tape head housing 302, and cam bar 404. Post and gear assembly 402, illustrated in FIG. 5, comprise a threaded post 408 with gear 410 compressed onto the bottom end. Gear 410 includes an integrally formed pin 426 extending vertically upward from gear 410. Post and gear assembly 402 is rotatably connected to tape drive 100. One skilled in the art would understand the construction of post and gear assembly 402 and connection of post and gear assembly 402 to tape drive 100.

Tape head housing 302, illustrated in FIG. 6, comprises a rectangular housing member 406 configured to retain tape head 126 within interior cavity 414. Tape head housing 302 includes cam bar 404 pivotally connected to its base. As will become apparent from the following description, cam bar 404 pivots between tape guide 136 and cam stop 412 integrally formed in the base of tape head housing 302. Tape head housing 302 includes apertures, 416 and 418, for receiving post 408. Apertures, 416 and 418, include internal threads for threadably connecting post 408 and tape head housing 302 as illustrated by FIG. 4.

Operationally, a load motor and mating gear (not shown) drive gear 410, which in turn rotates post 408 moving tape head housing 302 vertically up or down post 408 depending on the direction of rotation. Arm 420 integrally formed in the base of tape head housing 302 extends horizontally outward and prevents tape head housing 302 from rotating with post 408 so that vertical movement can be achieved. Arm 420 includes a horseshoe shaped recess 422 on its distal end. Recess 422 is configured to slidably engage post 424 to prevent tape head housing 302 from rotating as it moves vertically upward and vertically downward along threaded post 408. Post 424 is fixably connected to tape drive 100.

Guiding Assembly Operation During Unloading of a Tape Media—FIG. 7:

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of the guiding assembly operation during unloading of tape media 104. During the reading and writing of data, tape guide 136 is located in retracted position 300 relative to tape head 126. Microprocessor 122 responsive to a user input signal to eject tape cartridge 102, initiates operation of the load motor, at step 700. The load motor drives gear 410, which rotates threaded post 408 in a counterclockwise direction. As threaded post 408 rotates, tape head housing 302, moves vertically downward along threaded post 408, at step 702. As tape head housing 302 approaches the bottom of threaded post 408, cam bar 404 contacts pin 426, at step 704. Pin 426 pivots cam bar 404 horizontally outward and away from tape head housing 302, at step 706. As cam bar 404 pivots outward it contacts tape guide 136 pivoting tape guide 136 away from tape head 126 to engaged position 428, at step 708. One skilled in the art will appreciate that tape head housing 302, threaded post 408, cam bar 404 and tape guide 136 are configured so that tape head housing reaches the bottom of threaded post 408 as tape guide 136 reaches engaged position 428. Microprocessor 122, sensing that tape guide 136 has reached engaged position 428, initiates the unloading operation winding tape media 104 back into tape cartridge 102 and unbuckling tape cartridge leader 200 and takeup leader 202, at step 710.

Guiding Assembly Operation During Loading of a Tape Media—FIG. 8:

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of guiding assembly operation during loading of tape media 104. Tape guide 136 remains in engaged position 428 until another tape cartridge is inserted into tape drive 100. Microprocessor 122, responsive to a signal from cartridge present switch 124 indicating that a tape cartridge has been inserted, initiates the tape media loading operation, at step 800. Microprocessor 122 responsive to a signal indicating that the read position at the beginning of tape media 104 has been reached, initiates operation of the load motor to rotate gear 410 in a clockwise direction, at step 802. The clockwise rotation of gear 410 releases cam bar 404 and moves tape head housing 302 vertically upward along threaded post 408, at step 804. Cam bar 404 is pivoted horizontally inward by pressure from spring-loaded tape guide 136 until it rests against cam stop 412, at step 806. In this position, cam bar 404 is positioned between tape guide 136 and cam stop 412, and tape guide 136 is in retracted position 300 for reading and writing of data.

It is apparent that there has been described, a guiding assembly for preventing damage to a tape head during loading and unloading of magnetic tape media, that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the guiding assembly has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and/or variations can be devised by those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A guiding assembly in a tape drive that contains a takeup reel connected to a first connecting apparatus which engages a second connecting apparatus that is connected to one end of a magnetic tape media contained in a single reel tape cartridge that is loadable into the tape drive, the guiding assembly comprising: means for loading the magnetic tape media, wherein loading the magnetic tape media is representative of connecting the first connecting apparatus to the second connecting apparatus and winding the first and second connecting apparatus around the takeup reel until the tape media is in a read position; means for unloading the magnetic tape media, wherein unloading the magnetic tape media is representative of winding the tape media into the tape cartridge and disconnecting the first and second connecting apparatus; a tape guide configured to define a first tape path for reading and writing data to the tape media and a pivot to define a second tape path during loading and unloading of the magnetic tape media; and a tape head configured to travel in a first vertical direction to engage the tape guide and cause the tape guide to pivot and define the second tape path, and travel in a second vertical direction to disengage the tape guide and cause the tape guide to pivot and define the first tape path, wherein the second tape path prevents the first and the second connecting apparatuses from contacting the tape head.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting apparatus comprises a takeup leader connected to the takeup reel and the second connecting apparatus comprises a tape cartridge leader connected to the magnetic tape media.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the tape guide comprise: a pair of sidewalls oriented in a confronting relationship with the tape head, wherein the pair of sidewalls define an opening to permit the magnetic tape media to contact the tape head when the tape guide defines the first tape path; and a bottom connected to the pair of sidewalls to define a channel for the magnetic tape media.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the tape guide further comprises: a backwall that further defines the channel for the tape media.
 5. A method for preventing damage to a tape head in a tape drive that contains a takeup reel connected to a first connecting apparatus which engages a second connecting apparatus connected to one end of a magnetic tape media contained in a single reel tape cartridge that is loadable into the tape drive, the method comprising: loading magnetic tape media from the tape cartridge into the tape drive; prior to loading the magnetic tape media, moving a tape head in a first vertical direction to engage a tape guide; pivoting the tape guide from a retracted position that defines a first tape path to an engaged position that defines a second tape path; in response to loading the magnetic tape media from the tape cartridge into the tape drive, moving the tape head in a second vertical direction to disengage the tape guide; pivoting the tape guide from the engaged position to the retracted position; reading data from the magnetic tape media; and writing data to the magnetic tape media.
 6. The method of claim 5, the method further comprising: unloading the magnetic tape media from the tape drive into the tape cartridge; prior to unloading the magnetic tape media, moving the tape head in the first vertical direction to engage the tape guide; and pivoting the tape guide from the retracted position to the engaged position.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein loading the magnetic tape media from the tape cartridge comprises: connecting a tape cartridge leader to a takeup leader; and winding the tape cartridge leader and the takeup leader past the tape head onto the takeup reel until the magnetic tape media is in a read position.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein unloading the magnetic tape media from the tape drive into the tape cartridge comprises: winding the tape media into the tape cartridge; and disconnecting the tape cartridge leader and the takeup leader. 